AI in Creative Pursuits: Enhancing Human Creativity, Not Replacing It
Ashima Mathur, an author who dabbled in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) for her debut children’s book, strongly believes that while AI can be a valuable tool in creative endeavors, it is not a replacement for human creativity.
Introduced to the captivating capabilities of generative AI tools by her husband, who works in the AI space, Ashima decided to embark on a fun project utilizing these tools. It was her nephew Anay’s 10th birthday that served as the catalyst for her book, creating a video where Anay was portrayed as the world’s best video game player by a news reporter. The sheer joy on Anay’s face and the fun Ashima had during the process led her to realize the potential of these technologies to bring happiness to children on a larger scale.
With a background in design and a passion for visual storytelling, Ashima naturally gravitated towards the medium of a children’s book. It provided her with the perfect canvas to blend her creative capabilities with the allure of a narrative. The honest feedback from her two nephews during the drafting process proved invaluable. The satisfaction of bringing joy to children made this book a fulfilling endeavor for Ashima.
However, the path to achieving this accomplishment was not without its challenges. Ashima used two AI tools, ChatGPT and Midjourney, to create her book. While ChatGPT offered plot suggestions, she found them lacking in depth and had to craft her own. Additionally, due to context window limitations, it couldn’t maintain continuity over multiple chapters. On the other hand, Midjourney had a tendency to generate deformed images, requiring thorough review to ensure appropriateness for children. Creating the perfect image demanded precision in prompts and constant retries and refinement. Nonetheless, with persistence and a clear vision, Ashima overcame these obstacles.
These challenges may raise doubts about the reliability of AI, especially in creative pursuits. Ashima, however, perceives AI as an invaluable assistant, a tireless ally that not only boosts productivity but also offers new ideas when least expected. AI, she emphasizes, is the brush and not the master painter. It lays down the initial strokes, but the finishing touches, the refined edits, especially in children’s stories, require the human touch.
There is no doubt that working with AI is a game-changer, Ashima remarked, highlighting how it has enhanced her productivity during brainstorming sessions and aided her through writer’s block. Nevertheless, she acknowledges that the tools available today have their rough edges, particularly in unique tasks like writing a book. With the rapid advancement of technology and the emergence of more specialized tools, she envisions an exciting revolution in the way creators can bring their visions to life.
Ashima Mathur’s book, ‘The Magical Mission to Mars,’ represents a pioneering attempt to create and illustrate a story with the help of AI. However, she is quick to remind us that AI is merely a support system, not a substitute for human creativity.
In conclusion, AI holds immense potential in creative pursuits, acting as a catalyst for ingenuity and productivity. While it can assist in generating ideas and content, the responsibility for the quality of the end product ultimately lies with the creator. As the world delves deeper into the realm of AI, it is crucial to maintain the delicate balance between human creativity and the tools that enhance it.
By prioritizing creativity and embracing the partnership between humans and AI, we can unlock new levels of innovation and reshape the way we create for generations to come.
